Filet Crochet Pattern Generator
Turn a picture, a name or a short phrase into a filet crochet chart of filled blocks and open spaces – with the starting chain worked out and written row-by-row instructions.
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How filet crochet charts work
A filet chart has only two kinds of square:
| Square on the chart | What you crochet (US terms) | UK terms |
|---|---|---|
| Filled (block) | 2 double crochet, plus the double crochet that closes the square | 2 treble, plus the closing treble |
| Empty (space) | Chain 2, skip 2, then a double crochet | Chain 2, skip 2, then a treble |
The closing stitch of each square is shared with the next one, so a row of 10 squares has 31 stitches: 3 for each square plus 1 at the start.
Starting chain calculator
The generator works out the starting chain for your chart. To check it by hand:
- Count the squares across the chart.
- Multiply by 3 and add 1.
- Add 2 if the first square of row 1 is a block, or 4 if it is a space.
Example: a chart 20 squares wide whose first square is a block needs 20 × 3 + 1 + 2 = 63 chains. Work the first double crochet into the 4th chain from the hook.
Getting a good filet picture
- Simple shapes work best. Filet has only on and off squares, so photos with soft shading turn into noise. Silhouettes, outlines and lettering are ideal.
- Use the threshold and invert controls. Move the threshold until the main shape is solid, and invert if the subject should be open spaces on a filled background.
- Leave a border. One or two rows and columns of spaces around the design make the edge neat and give room for a crocheted edging.
- Remember filet squares are not square. Depending on your tension, blocks are often a little taller than they are wide. Compare a swatch with the chart before starting a large piece.
Filet name patterns
Names and words are one of the most popular uses of filet crochet – for name blankets, doilies, bunting and gifts. Switch the input to Text, type up to a few words, and pick a block font. Taller fonts are easier to read; the smaller font fits longer names into a narrow piece.
Frequently asked questions
What is filet crochet?
Filet crochet is a lace technique worked in one color. The fabric is a grid of squares: each square is either a filled block of stitches or an open space made with chains. The picture appears as the pattern of filled and open squares, which is why filet suits names, lettering, silhouettes and simple motifs.
How do I make a filet crochet chart from a picture?
Upload the picture, choose the width in squares and adjust the threshold until the shape looks right. Light areas become spaces and dark areas become blocks, or the other way round if you invert it. Simple, high-contrast pictures give the clearest result.
How do I make a filet crochet name pattern?
Switch the input to Text, type the name or word, and choose a block font. The generator draws the letters onto the grid, adds a border of spaces around them and gives you the starting chain and the row-by-row instructions.
How many chains do I start with for filet crochet?
For the common US method, where a block is three double crochet stitches and a space is two chains: multiply the number of squares across by 3 and add 1. Then add 2 more chains if the first square of row 1 is a block (work the first double crochet into the 4th chain from the hook), or 4 more if it is a space (work the first double crochet into the 8th chain from the hook). The generator shows this number for your chart.
How do I read a filet crochet chart?
Read row 1 from the bottom, usually from right to left, then turn and read row 2 from left to right, and so on. A filled square is a block: two double crochet stitches plus the shared edge stitch. An empty square is a space: two chains and a double crochet. The written instructions spell out every row for you.
What thread or yarn is best for filet crochet?
Traditional filet uses fine cotton thread, such as size 10, for doilies and lace. For a quicker project, a cotton DK or worsted yarn makes the same chart much larger – a good choice for a name blanket or a wall hanging.